When I think of God’s provision, and being thankful to Him for it, I have usually thought of His provision of things like food, clothing, shelter, clean drinking water, money to pay bills, a car to get where I’m supposed to go, etc. But what I have sorely lacked is Thanksgiving to God for HIS PROVISION OF PEOPLE.
Believe it or not, God brought this message to mind when I was thinking of police officers. See, I have been on the road full-time as of the writing of this book for about 4.5 years with my special needs ministry dogs. Most of the time staying in budget hotels where I have done lots of my ministry work along with small apartments for a short while twice in New York City where hotels are too high priced and not conducive to special needs dogs. Given the state of this world, and how many live in rebellion against God, in most of the places I have stayed there has been drug selling, drug using, people who are homeless, alcoholics, suicidal people, domestic abuse, violence, prostitution, fighting, etc. Perfect opportunities for ministry work, but pretty scary, uncomfortable, overwhelming.
I realized I had taken for granted God’s provision of police officers to help me feel and be safe. Later I realized, wow. I have fallen terribly far short over the years in thanking God for ALL His provision of people who have loved me, blessed me, encouraged me, prayed for me, helped me, supported me, walked alongside me, helped me to grow, been patient with me, been my family and friends, been generous with me, etc. My favorite person in the universe, of course, is the Lord. My first love. My God, King, Savior, master, counselor, comforter, helper, healer, advocate, and very best friend. Oh, how exceedingly, exceedingly thankful to the Lord I am for all His love and provision – people included! Even the difficult, hurtful, challenging ones whom He has used to teach me, test me, grow me, refine me, purify me, etc. Oh, thank you Lord! Let us thank God for people, friend! Let us glorify God with our praise!
“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” Psalms 50:23 KJV